Child protection briefing

In anticipation of the announcment from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance on 25/02/16 Social Work Scotland produced a briefing that outlines important actions required in protecting Scotland's children. Read briefing

Press release 25/02/16

Commenting on the statement on child protection delivered by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Alistair Gaw, President of Social Work Scotland said:

“Social workers across this country will tell you that tackling child neglect is fundamental to protecting children. “Tackling neglect gets to the underlying issues which can increase the risk of child abuse: poverty, inequality, the impact of alcohol, drugs, mental illness, violence and domestic abuse on children’s lives.

“A focus on neglect would not diminish our responsibility to promote better practice around child sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse or child sexual exploitation; nor would this focus be a panacea to tackle all types of harm to children. Neglect however should be of equal priority for the Scottish Government.

“It is right that neglect is a clear strand in the Government’s plan for child protection. We are delighted that the Government has made a clear commitment to support social workers in the challenging, complex but essential work they do with families and their children to support them towards positive and nurturing relationships”.